These links are a collection of some of my personal favorite sites and businesses in the Austin area.

Downtown Austin – fantastic site and guide on events and historical information on downtown Austin – including the capital area. www.downtownaustin.com

Austin Tidbits – great source for discovering the new hot spots. From bistros to shops this will keep you on track with some very new and different discoveries. http://austin.gotidbits.com

Yelp – Austin – get reviews from locals who will truly give their honest opinion. http://www.yelp.com/austin

The Austinist – News of happenings and various community events in a very different format. http://austinist.com

The Blanton Museum of Art – Recent expansion complete – The Blanton is the largest University museum in the country and third largest in the state. http://blantonmuseum.org

The Vanilla Orchid– What a better way to spend a night at home after a long day at work, home delivery dinner service by a professional chef. (Former Hudson on the Bend chef, and Alaskan resort cook) http://thevanillaorchid.comZilker Theater Productions – Zilker summer musicals since 1959 http://www.zilker.org

The Long Center – Gorgeous venue for an array of performing arts. http://www.thelongcenter.org

Paramount Theater – Another great venue for performing arts. They also hold screenings of classic movies during the summer.http://www.austintheatre.org

Alamo Drafthouse – Have a burger and beer while you enjoy your movie. Downtown theater hosts events such as sing alongs. http://www.drafthouse.com

Hotel Saint Cecilia – If your looking for the new and different – this is your spot – not your standard Hotel by any means – quaint, charming and completely original. (for additional info on inn’s and B&B’s)http://hotelsaintcecilia.com/